EMU makes an international splash by hosting the GTAC Disability Open April 23-24

YPSILANTI - Some of the best disabled swimmers in the world will be making a splash with their backstroke and breaststroke at Eastern Michigan University's Michael H. Jones Natatorium April 23-24 during the Second Annual Greater Toledo Aquatic Club (GTAC) Disability Open. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Rec/IM at 734.487.1338.

This is the only disability meet that has been sanctioned by the International Paralympic Committee, which means that times established at this meet will count toward world rankings. Members of EMU's men's swimming team will be volunteering their time to assist with various duties during the meet.

EMU's 50-meter, Olympic-size pool design is particularly accommodating for the 62 athletes, ranging in age from 11-32 years old, all of whom have a disability. Swimmers from every continent except Antarctica are scheduled to attend.

"With our flush deck system, swimmers just roll in and out of the pool because the water is level with the deck," said Robert England, director of the EMU REC/IM. "The pool also is very fast since waves don't come back and hit the swimmers. People really enjoy swimming here."

Swimmer classifications, which denote physical and visual disabilities, determine competitors for each of the 22 events.

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive
university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions.
EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences
to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.